Chapter 87

Nathaniel studied Evelyn intently. "Grandmother is resting comfortably now. Lucas took her home."

Evelyn gave a small nod of relief. "Good. I'm glad she's okay. I should get going then. See you later, Nathaniel."

She turned to leave.

After three steps, she spun back around with a puzzled frown. "Why are you following me?"

Nathaniel arched one perfect eyebrow. "Weren't you treating me to dinner?"

Evelyn's smile turned strained. "I said I'd treat your grandmother and let you come along. Since she's not going, neither are you."

His lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Then allow me to treat you instead. We both need to eat, don't we?"

She waved him off. "No thanks. I've got plans."

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. "With whom?"

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Do I really need your permission?"

His stare turned glacial. "What do you think?"

'Unbelievable! This level of control is insane,' Evelyn fumed internally.

Thankfully their marriage had an expiration date. She could never tolerate this long-term.

With forced calm, she explained, "It's my graduation party. My classmates just texted about a small gathering. Probably an all-night thing."

Her tone made it clear she wasn't asking. Just informing.

Nathaniel lit a cigarette, the flame illuminating his sharp features. "You won't see these people again after graduation. Why waste time?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Because I want to! Not everything has to be 'useful.' These were my classmates. Future colleagues. Tonight's our last chance to celebrate before we scatter across the country."

His dark eyes gave nothing away. After a weighted pause, he ground out his cigarette. "Get in. I'll drive you."

She shook her head. "I'll just call a—"

Mid-sentence, she found herself unceremoniously deposited into the luxury car like a stray kitten. Sometimes Nathaniel's behavior bordered on absurd—this mix of aristocratic arrogance and inexplicable interest in her affairs.

The destination: Starlight Lounge.

"Thanks," Evelyn muttered before slipping out of the car without looking back.

The black Maybach didn't move.

The driver hesitated. "Sir, shall we return home or...?"

Nathaniel didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the club's neon entrance.

Dominic's call broke the silence.

"Nathaniel! Twilight Bar tonight?"

"Change of plans," Nathaniel said, still watching the door Evelyn had disappeared through.

"Where to?"

"Starlight Lounge."

A beat of stunned silence. "...Excuse me?" Dominic sounded like he'd swallowed his drink wrong. "Did you just say Starlight Lounge?"